Cash Assistance Programs

There are many cash assistance programs are available for qualifying Itasca County residents.

Childcare Assistance

This is a subsidized assistance program to help pay for childcare services. Childcare Assistance is for people who are employed or seeking employment.

General Assistance (GA)

This is a monthly cash payment. It helps with money for food, housing, and other basic needs for those who do not have minor children and are not able to get help from other state or federal programs.

Group Residential Housing (GRH)

This is a monthly payment. It pays room and board for some people who cannot live in their own home. GRH is for people who are age 65 and over, disabled and age 18 or older, blind, or unable to work.

Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)

This is a monthly cash payment working with families who have children or women who are pregnant.

Minnesota Supplemental Aid (MSA)

This is a monthly cash payment. It helps people whose disability, retirement, or other income is not enough. MSA is for people who are age 65 or older, disabled and age 18 or older, or blind.

Diversionary Work Program (DWP)

The Diversionary Work Program (DWP) is a four-month program that helps Minnesota parents find jobs. The goal is to help parents quickly find work so that they do not need to go on the Minnesota Investment Program. When families first apply for cash assistance, most will be enrolled in this program.

Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA)

This is a monthly cash payment for certain refugees who have been in the United States eight months or less.